Caffeine can cause many effects. Some positive effects include better cognitive performance, increased alertness, an improvement in mood and more energy. Unpleasant side effects include a sleep problems, nervousness, increased blood pressure, jitteriness, anxiety, irritability, headaches, increased sweating, muscle tremors and gastrointestinal upset. Abruptly stopping your caffeine consumption may also cause unpleasant side effects, such as irritability, fatigue, headaches, decreased friendliness and flu-like symptoms. While a runny nose is not a typical reaction to caffeine consumption, this condition may occur during the caffeine withdrawal process.
A Runny Nose
A runny nose occurs when the blood vessels and nasal tissue produce excess mucous. The mucous may run out of the nostrils or down the throat. This mucous drainage may cause a cough, sore throat, ear infection or sinus infection. Keeping the mucous thin prevents it from becoming thick and sticky and minimizes the likelihood of ear and sinus infections. To keep mucous thin, use a vaporizer or humidifier, drink extra fluids and use a saline nasal spray. Some over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays may also help.
Caffeine Withdrawal
Caffeine withdrawal occurs when a person suddenly stops consuming caffeine. You are more likely to experience symptoms of caffeine withdrawal if you consume large amounts of caffeine, but even stopping a consumption of just 100 mg a day on a regular basis can trigger this condition, according to a study published in the April 1999 issue of "The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics." While headaches, fatigue, poor mood and a decrease in alertness are the most common symptoms, flu-like symptoms may also occur for some people.
Other Causes
A runny nose also may be caused to an allergy to caffeine. An allergy usually causes other symptoms as well, which may include hives, redness of the skin, swelling, coughing or difficulty breathing. If you have these symptoms after consuming caffeine, see an allergist to confirm your suspected caffeine allergy. In addition to a drug allergy, a runny nose can also result from something completely unrelated to caffeine consumption. A runny nose may be due to a virus, the common cold, irritants in the air, spicy foods, hay fever or an allergy to pet dander, dust or mold. Some people have a condition called nonallergic rhinitis, which causes their noses to run for no apparent reason.
Warning
A runny nose is rarely serious, but it may sometimes warrant a trip to the doctor. Call your doctor if the mucous of your runny nose is a color other than yellow or white, if it has a foul smell, or if a fever is present. Since a runny nose typically goes away on its own within a week or two, you should also contact your doctor if your runny nose lingers for more than three weeks. Nasal discharge that occurs after a head injury also should be checked out by a medical professional. In addition, if you have a suspected or confirmed caffeine allergy, you should also seek emergency medical attention if you experience any symptoms of anaphylaxis. They include dizziness, rapid pulse, heart palpitations, lightheadedness, fainting, confusion, difficulty breathing, hives, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
References
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine; Sleep and Caffeine; Donald R. Townsend, PhD, August 2006
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Caffeine and Your Body
- MedlinePlus: Nasal Discharge; Linda Vorvick, MD; August 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Runny Nose; September 2010
- "The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics"; Caffeine Withdrawal: A Parametric Analysis of Caffeine Dosing; Suzette M. Evans et al.; April 2009
- MedlinePlus: Drug Allergies; Linda Vorvick, MD; June 2010
